Overview

• On July 21, the Health Ministry under the National Health Mission directed states and union territories to install sugar and oil warning boards in hospitals, medical colleges and healthcare centres.
• The rollout extends pilot displays at AIIMS Nagpur to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, primary health centres, community health centres, district health centres and sub-divisional offices nationwide.
• Each board will show sugar and oil content per 100g based on ICMR-NIN nutrient profiling guidelines, calculated through laboratory assessments or validated ingredient data.
• Officials emphasise that the advisory applies universally to all high-sugar, high-fat foods, encompassing both traditional Indian snacks and Western processed items.
• The initiative aligns with Eat Right India, Poshan Abhiyaan and Fit India campaigns, with ministries urged to integrate awareness activities in schools, community groups and adolescent health clinics.